J. Forbes

Mr. FORBES

Mr. FORBES. I yield to the gentleman from Michigan.

Mr. FORBES. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Over and over again we hear on the floor, we hear outside this body the importance of coming together in a bipartisan manner and what we can do to resolve issues for the American people. The unfortunate thing is when we try to do that, as we have done in this bill and we bring this bill in a bipartisan manner, sometimes my friends on the other side of the aisle simply can't take yes for an answer. And when we hear presentations like we just have, Mr. Speaker, I feel it is incumbent upon me to stand up and just correct some of those facts. The first thing is that the COPS program has been authorized in the 2005 Department of Justice authorization bill through 2009 for $1.047 billion. All this authorization will do is increase that to $1.15 billion through 2013. In addition, when you see these lines that drop off with the number of cops that are being hired, one of the things that we have heard from the testimony that we've had is twofold. One of the reasons that we had declines in the crime rate was not just because of the numbers of police officers, but more importantly, not just because we sent money, but because throughout the 1990s we had a lot of policies from Republican legislators across the States that did things like abolish parole, that did things like mandatory sentences, that did things like truth-in-sentencing that took criminals off the streets and out of our communities. And it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out if we do that, we reduce violent crime. The other thing that we heard testimony on is that in New Orleans, when we went to do hearings there, the number of police officers increased and the crime increased. And in New York, the number of police officers decreased and the crime decreased. By the rationale we just heard, one would argue we should have less police officers. But the testimony was, Mr. Speaker, we do need police officers on the streets. That's why we brought this bill in a bipartisan manner. But it is important that we have smart policing, that we have comprehensive programs. Because if we just dump money at the problem and we don't do that, we're not going to solve the problems that are before us. Mr. Speaker, fortunately there were members from the Judiciary Committee that worked in a bipartisan manner to bring this bill to the floor. I hope we will pass it.

Mr. FORBES. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Chabot).

Mr. FORBES. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, America's State and local law enforcement agencies are on the front lines combating and preventing crime every day. In the last decade, their dedication and service and innovative policing programs have led to a 34 percent decrease in violent crime. It is unclear, however, whether the $11 billion in COPS grants awarded since 1994 can receive the same credit. Studies have reached inconsistent findings as to the effectiveness of the COPS program in reducing the Nation's rising crime rates. The COPS program awards grants to State, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies to hire or rehire police officers or procure new crime-fighting technology. It is intended to provide short-term Federal assistance to State and local law enforcement agencies. It is not intended to assume the funding of State and local police, a duty that lies first and foremost with the States. The COPS program specifically directs that grant money not be used to supplant State or local funds but, rather, increase the amount of funds for community policing. In reality, this has proven not to always be the case. Studies show that spending on the COPS program has not led to an increase in the overall spending by local law enforcement but often supplants State and local funds. The actual number of officers put on the street under this program is also in dispute. Estimates vary from 118,000 to as few as 82,000 additional police officers. The answer to addressing crime in the 21st century is not simply more cops on the street. It is innovative programs, such as multi-jurisdictional task forces designed to target specific types of crimes and neighborhoods plagued by gangs and drugs. We should look to cities like New York and Los Angeles, who continue to enjoy reduced violent crime rates thanks to smart, effective policing. To put to rest once and for all conflicting findings about the effectiveness of the COPS program, the committee adopted an amendment directing the Inspector General of the Department of Justice to conduct an audit of the COPS program to review three areas: first, the effect of the program on the rate of violent crime; second, the degree to which COPS funding recipients contribute State or local funding to law enforcement programs and activities; and, third, any waste, fraud, or abuse within the COPS program. As introduced, H.R. 1700 reduced the likelihood that community policing would, in fact, some day be funded by America's communities. The bill stripped several provisions from current law that encourage State and local governments to assume a larger share of COPS grants. This is directly contrary to the purpose of the COPS program and would only exacerbate the use of Federal funds to supplant State and local funds. H.R. 1700 also stripped from current law limits on the duration of COPS grants and instead allowed unlimited grant renewal. This too is directly contrary to the original intent of the COPS program to provide short-term assistance to State, local, and tribal governments to hire additional police officers. I am pleased that my colleagues on the other side of the aisle listened to our concerns and supported our changes to preserve the partnership between the Federal Government, State, local, and tribal governments. I thank Judiciary Committee Chairman Conyers, Crime Subcommittee Chairman Scott, and Congressman Weiner for their cooperation. I urge my colleagues to support the bill. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. FORBES

Mr. FORBES. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. FORBES. Madam Speaker, we just request and urge the passage of the bill.

Mr. FORBES. Madam Speaker, I yield as much time as he may consume to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Poe), an individual who knows firsthand the importance of good prosecutors and public defenders having served as a district court trial judge.

Mr. FORBES

Mr. FORBES. Madam Speaker, I rise today in memory of Nicole Regina White, who was tragically killed in the recent attack at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University on April 16, 2007. Nicole was known to many as a person who possessed the heart of a servant. She found ways to invest in those around her, whether it was through conversation, friendship, lending a helping hand, or through volunteer work. As a trained emergency medical technician, she is believed to have even been helping people in the final moments of her life. Those who were close to her know how passionately Nicole gave back to her community, classmates, teachers, and family. She was a committed member of her church's outreach program, a Sunday school teacher, an EMT for the Smithfield Volunteer Fire and Rescue Squad, and a lifeguard at her local YMCA. Many say that one of Nicole's greatest loves in life was taking care of animals. During high school, Nicole volunteered at local stables and barns to take care of horses. In this hobby, it is clear to see that Nicole's heart and mission in life was to serve and care for others. Nicole was a double-major in International Relations and German at Virginia Tech. Nicole was a person who loved life, loved serving people, loved her family, and, most importantly, loved the Lord. Although her life was tragically cut short, many are blessed to have known and loved her.

Mr. FORBES

Mr. FORBES. Madam Speaker, I rise today in memory of Matthew Gregory Gwaltney, who was tragically killed in the recent attack at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, on April 16, 2007. Matthew was known for his deep love for his family and friends and for his cheerful disposition. Having graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering from Virginia Tech in 2005, Matt was just weeks away from graduation day where he was receiving his Master's degree in civil and environmental engineering. Matt was an honors student devoted to learning and eager to improve human awareness of the environment and the overall quality of life. His high school teachers and college professors alike regularly praised his outstanding character and loyalty to those he loved. Matt's family and friends also knew him as an avid sports fan. As a high school basketball player, Matt was not only acknowledged by his teammates as a dedicated player, but as a close friend. Matt maintained those close relationships even as he went away to college and later began his graduate program. At Virginia Tech, Matt regularly built and maintained friendships around sports through games of pick up basketball, and impressed many with his abundant knowledge of sports facts. It is said that his favorite place at Virginia Tech was Cassell Coliseum and that Matt never missed a Hokie football game. Although Matt's time with us has ended all too soon, I know that his love for his family and friends and commitment to learning will inspire many in years to come. Matt has left a legacy within his generation that will not soon be forgotten.

Mr. FORBES

Mr. FORBES. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a dear friend, a dedicated coach, and a committed educator, Mr. Cecil Jennings, for his loyal service and devotion to the youth of America. As a public school teacher and coach, Cecil possessed an unwavering dedication to the community, the children of the public school system, and to any young person needing his help or his guidance. Cecil was bom in 1934 and lived in the Great Bridge area of Chesapeake, Virginia. A graduate of Great Bridge High School and East Tennessee State University, he began his teaching career in 1957 at Deep Creek High School and taught there for two years. He then went on to teach at his alma mater, Great Bridge Junior High School, and worked as a physical education teacher and also coached football, track, wrestling and softball. Cecil also participated as a baseball and basketball coach in recreational leagues and umpired Little League baseball games. He retired from Great Bridge High after 36 years of service to the community. However, even after his retirement he continued to be the personification of school pride and school spirit for the ``Wildcats'' of Great Bridge. In life, Cecil always carried himself with a positive attitude towards life and was well-known as an honorable individual with a big heart. He was well-respected by parents and people in the community. As a coach, Cecil had a philosophy that no one was cut from the team; he couldn't stand to cut his players because he saw in every child who had the willingness to try, an opportunity for success down the road. When he coached junior high football, usually 65 young men dressed for each game. ``Coach Jennings'' gave each child he coached the opportunity to be a winner, and carried that legacy throughout his career. Cecil mentored many students who, through his encouragement and devotion, found success in their education and in their lives. The stories of lives he touched and helped mold seem endless. Towards the end of his life, Cecil battled cancer, diabetes and severe arthritis. Even as he aged and his health deteriorated, he continued to nurture, encourage and support his family, friends, and the local sports teams. In one of his last visits with a close friend, he reflected upon the happiness and joy he felt for his family and his community. Even through his pain, his selfless compassion continued to shine. Cecil Jennings was a mentor, an honorable public servant and a dear friend to all who crossed in his path. I offer my sincerest condolences to his wife, Beth, their three children, Greg, Cecil, and Cissy, and five grandchildren, Brittany, Hailee, Alex, Christopher, and Emma. Cecil may no longer be with us, but the impact he made upon the community he loved is imprinted with the continuing legacy of thousands who made ``Cecil's Teams'' and whose lives were better for having done so.

Mr. FORBES

Mr. FORBES. Mr. Speaker, I would like to begin by thanking Chairman Miller and Ranking Member McKeon for their work in getting this resolution to the floor. I also want to thank my friend and colleague, Congressman Scott, for his hard work and the work of his staff in getting the bill here and also Congresswoman Foxx for her efforts and her staff in helping to get H. Res. 182 on the floor today. Mr. Speaker, I rise today, as do my colleagues, to commend Virginia State University on the celebration of their 125th anniversary. This resolution honors Virginia State University's continued resolve to provide an excellence in education since March 6, 1882. Mr. Speaker, today we just pause and we say to all of the current students of Virginia State University, to the alumni, to the faculty and to the administration, thank you for a job well done in the pursuit of excellence that you have done for these last 125 years. As you may know and you have heard mentioned today, Mr. Speaker, Virginia State University is located in my district in Chesterfield County, and it is warmly embraced by the neighboring city of Petersburg. It was the first university to be fully funded by the Commonwealth of Virginia as an institution of higher learning for African Americans. Currently, Virginia State University offers 45 baccalaureate and master's degree programs and introduced their first doctoral program in 2003. This campus includes 236 acres and an additional 416-acre agriculture research facility. They host nearly 5,000 students and continue to grow. It fills me with pride to stand on the House floor today to present this resolution. We have had a long-standing relationship with Virginia State University and look forward to continuing this through the years to come. Mr. Speaker, this resolution comes before the House floor cosponsored by the entire Virginia congressional delegation. Though I cannot speak for my colleagues, I believe I can say we are proud of the progress Virginia State University has provided through its 125 years of service to the students in Virginia and beyond. This anniversary represents a significant milestone in the Commonwealth of Virginia's history. The university is more than worthy of this distinguished recognition for the impressive advancements and accomplishments in their 125-year history, and we are honored to acknowledge their achievements today

Mr. FORBES

Mr. FORBES. Mr. Speaker, I rise this afternoon among a sea of voices that I quickly confess I do not understand. Now, some of them are my friends and some of them are very good people and I don't want to make any mistake about it. I understand the pressures they are under. I understand what it is like when you have major news media outlets who will not even take individuals who attack innocent civilians in the United States and destroy our property and they won't even call them terrorists. I understand the pressure when they control much of the media that we get across the country. I also understand what it is like, Mr. Speaker, when we have Web sites that are filled with hate, that spew poison out throughout all of our congressional districts, and I understand the pressure that we get when we have people who don't want to listen but simply want to scream, who stand outside and protest at our offices. I understand those pressures. What I don't understand is the response that I am seeing here today on this floor. Just a few years ago, I had the privilege of traveling with then Speaker Denny Hastert to the 60th anniversary of one of the greatest military achievements the United States has ever seen, and that was the invasion of Normandy. Almost every historian agrees it was the battle that literally saved the world. It was of particular importance to me because my dad had died just a few months before and he was there during World War II. Mr. Speaker, I sat that day in the sun among a sea of heroes who didn't come up to the microphone and pound the desk and they didn't speak in shrill voices. They sat with quiet silence because they had done the hard work and they had literally saved the world. And after that ceremony, I had the honor of just walking with them, in the same presence with them, as we walked down on the beach at Omaha Beach and stood there literally speechless as the military historians first told us that that was a victory that didn't necessarily have to be a victory, that we could have easily lost that battle. And if we had lost Omaha Beach, we would have lost that invasion. If we had lost that invasion, Germany would have signed a treaty and Europe would have looked much different than it looks today. And they told us about the guns that were pointed up and down Omaha Beach, huge cannons and the machine guns locked on the front that created virtually killing fields for our young men that would have to come on that beachhead. And then, Mr. Speaker, they told us about the very first Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Frederick Morgan, who had warned against doing exactly what we are doing today when he said this: ``Do not have efforts that end in the production of nothing but paper, but we must contrive to produce action, not paper, if our goal is victory, not defeat.'' Mr. Speaker, they described how when General Eisenhower, one of the most beloved generals of our time, when he was strategizing that great vision, his own generals disagreed with him on many issues. In fact, some of them threatened to quit because there were different strategies. Some said don't go today, some said go today, some said do it a different way. But then as they watched that invasion, greatest victory of all times, let me tell you what happened early that morning. Our airborne men, some of them were dropped into the flooded lowlands, and they drowned without a bullet ever being fired on them because we dropped them in the wrong places. Some of them were dropped in the midst of German positions, and they were captured or they were killed. Less than a half of the 82nd Airborne's gliders ever reached their assigned landing fields. By early morning, 4,000 men of the 82nd and 60 percent of their equipment was unaccounted for. The high seas that day swamped many of our boats, and we lost our radios in the bottom of the sea, and only three out of 16 of our bulldozers survived. But what was worse, in the first 4 minutes we had 97 percent casualties on that beach. The Germans were elated. Mr. Speaker, as I have listened to this debate, I could only think what would happen if the leadership controlling this floor had been on the command ships sitting off of Omaha Beach, because you and I know what would have happened. One by one, they would could came up to the podium, they would have grabbed a microphone, they would have pounded, and they would have looked at all the things that happened. At the end of all that, do you know what it would have resulted in? It would have had a note that they would have passed to the 29th Division, and those young boys on that beach, some of them 17, 18, 19 years old, who were hunkered down on that beach in the sand, some of them paralyzed with fear not knowing what to do. That note would have said, we love you, we support you, we just want to let you know we disagree with the action that you are taking. We don't know what to tell you, we just disagree with the action that got you here. But fortunately, that was not the leadership that governed that day. The leadership that governed that day was people like Brigadier General Cota who went up and down that beach and he looked at those young boys and he said, essentially, don't look at the beach. Don't look at the bullets that are flying here at you, because if you do you are going to die on this beach and you are going to lose everything you believed in. What he told them to do, he said, Look at that hill. We have got to take that hill. He said, Rangers, lead the way. Americans, lead the way. You know what? They took that hill, and they won the greatest military victory in the history of this country. As a result, they saved the world. Mr. Speaker, I hope and I pray that we will continue to birth voices that say don't look down, don't look at the mistakes, look at that hill. We have got to take this hill, and we have got to save the world from this threat of terrorism that so threatens us.

Mr. FORBES

Mr. FORBES. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Ms. Sandra J. Ellis for her loyal service to the United States of America. Sandy's commitment to the armed services of our country and the Fort Lee community is to be highly commended. Sandra J. Ellis was born in Petersburg, Virginia on June 16, 1948, which is Flag Day. The daughter of an Air Force officer, Sandy grew up in a military family that lived in Illinois, South Dakota, and years later returned to Virginia. While Sandy's first roles at Fort Lee were as a stage performer with Special Services and as an entertainer at the hospital ward there, it was after high school that Sandy entered Petersburg General Hospital School of Nursing/Richard Bland College. In 1967 she decided to take a semester off and took a part-time position at Fort Lee. In a short while, she was offered a permanent position which she accepted. At a time when many young men and women were joining the Army during the buildup in Vietnam, Sandy chose to serve her country at Fort Lee; and so she did for 40 years. Sandy began her dedicated service to the Army as a Military Personnel Clerk. During her career, she consistently earned more responsibility and took on positions as a Port Call Clerk, Secretary, Congressional Inquiry Specialist, Administrative Specialist, and Protocol Officer. Most recently, she has served as the Public Affairs Officer, where she has been the officer responsible for media and community relations at Fort Lee, an Army community of more than 12,000 and home of the Quartermaster Center and School. As the chief liaison to the surrounding community, Sandy played a central role in steering the installation and the community through the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure process. Sandy Ellis has shown a demonstrated commitment to the Army, the Commonwealth of Virginia, and the nation that is rarely equaled. She has served during eight different Presidential administrations, and her loyalty to the servicemen and women at Fort Lee deserves particular attention and admiration. Today, we salute her for her unwavering dedication to her profession and the American people. Furthermore, we salute her husband John Ellis, and her son, Jay, without whom Sandy's work would not have been possible nor as meaningful as it has been. Madam Speaker, please join me in honoring Sandy Ellis on her retirement from Federal service in the United States Army.

Mr. FORBES

Mr. FORBES. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend Mayor J. Chris Kollman. After serving 28 distinguished years in public service, Mayor Kollman has decided not to pursue another term in order to devote more time to his family. Mayor Kollman began his tenure with the City of Colonial Heights nearly three decades ago when he was elected to City Council. During his time on the Council he has served two terms as Mayor and two terms as Vice-Mayor. He has been a part of many accomplishments of the city, including the building of the vocational school, the development of Southpark Mall, the building of the Colonial Heights Public Library, the building of the Government Center, the revitalization of the old City Hall Building into a Public Safety Building, the development of the Memorandum of Understanding between the City and the Schools, and his many efforts to help beautify the city. In addition to his public service, Mr. Kollman served in the United States Army where he received an Honorable Discharge. He is also retired, after 30 years of service, from Bell Atlantic and currently owns and operates C & C Lawn Service, Inc. He is a lifelong resident of Colonial Heights and is a graduate of the Colonial Heights school system. Mr. Kollman is a former volunteer fireman, a member of the Colonial Heights Optimist Club, served as co-chairman of the Colonial Heights After Prom Committee, and is a member of Highland United Methodist Church where he serves in various leadership positions. Madam Speaker, please join me in honoring Mr. J. Chris Kollman.

Mr. FORBES

Mr. FORBES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce COL Stanley T. Hoskin's Defense Superior Service Medal order and citation into the Record. Colonel Hoskin recently retired on August 31, 2006, after 33 years of honorable service in the U.S. Army Reserve. I commend Colonel Hoskin's loyalty and dedication to his country and the American people. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring Colonel Hoskin. Department of Defense, Commander, U.S. Joint Forces Command, Norfolk, VA, July 18, 2006.

Mr. FORBES

Mr. FORBES. Madam Speaker, I want to begin by thanking Chairman Sensenbrenner for taking up this fight and for not giving up on this fight and continuing to work hard to get some of these provisions through. I guess the longer I am here, I should not be surprised by anything that I hear on the floor, but I still am shocked. I am shocked this afternoon as I hear statements like, ``There has been a lot of talk, but not much walk,'' and then that bringing part of these provisions certainly will not give any confidence to our citizens. Madam Speaker, I say that because I want to talk about just one part of these provisions today, and that is violent criminal gangs. When we began talking about violent criminal gangs and trying to do something about it, our friends on the other side of the aisle first suggested to us in the committees that we didn't even have a problem with violent criminal gangs in the United States. But today they have backed off of that because they know that as we are sitting here talking today, there are over 850,000 criminal gang members in this country. A lot of talk, but not much walk. They have fought us on every single aspect of trying to do something to stop those violent criminal gangs. And, Madam Speaker, I would just tell you that of those 850,000 violent criminal gang members, if you look at the most violent gangs, all of our testimony in the Judiciary Committee suggested that between 60 and 85 percent of them were here illegally. When they come into our country, we don't even ask them today if they are a member of a violent criminal gang; and what is worse is once they get here, we actually cloak them in protections, either by giving temporary protected status or by giving them political asylum, which basically means this: they can stand outside our schools, stand outside our neighborhoods with a placard that says: I am a member of the most violent criminal gang in the world. I am here illegally, and our law enforcement people cannot do anything at all to touch them. And the common sense of this provision is simply this: it says, first of all, when they come into the country, we are going to treat them like we do terrorists, and we are going to say if you are a member of a violent criminal gang, we are not letting you in. If you get into the country and you are here as our guest and we let you in and you join a violent criminal gang, we don't believe there is any socially redeeming value at all in being a member of a violent criminal gang. So if you join that gang, we are going to send you out of this country, and we are not going to just set up some hearing date that is 30, 60, 90 days away that you won't show up at, but we are going to stop you. We are going to detain you, and we are going to send you out before we have a victim of a violent crime. Madam Speaker, I would just close by saying we had testimony of one situation in Massachusetts where we had a young girl who was deaf and she had a mental illness. She was in a wheelchair, and she and another handicapped child were taken out and raped by six gang members, and two of them were here, one protected by temporary protected status and the other one who had applied for it. Madam Speaker, I think it is time for us to use some common sense when dealing with violent criminal gangs and to say that we are going to do something about them. We are not going to just talk about them, but we are going to get some action done. I thank the chairman for continuing this fight, and I hope we will pass this measure.

Mr. FORBES

Mr. FORBES. Mr. Speaker, I was unable to be present at the vote for H.R. 6061, the Secure Fence Act of 2006. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye'' on final passage.

Mr. FORBES

Mr. FORBES. Mr. Speaker, one of the things that I think we can probably agree on today is the opponents of this legislation have questioned why we are even here. Mr. Speaker, I agree with them on that and disagree with them on almost everything else, because it just baffles me, as we think about our Founding Fathers dreaming that we would ever stand here and have to debate the definition of marriage and whether or not that was between a man and a woman. Earlier today I stood where you are now standing and I listened to some of the words that were used against this legislation. I wrote some of them down. And one of the words was ``hateful.'' And as I wrote that down, all I could think about is if you want a definition of hateful, look at the attacks that have been brought against the sponsor of this piece of legislation across the country for daring to bring it to the floor for debate. That defines hateful. And then they raised the word ``unimportant.'' And they list all of the other things that they think are important. And that frightens me, because they do not recognize the difference and the importance of the connection between strong marriages in this country and the strength of our Nation. And then they call it divisive. Divisive to dare to stand against activist judges who will try to redefine literally hundreds of years of historical sanctioning of the institution of marriage. And then they say it is intolerant. They couch themselves with love, and all they want to do is have love. Well, Mr. Speaker, suppose you have a teacher who loves her 13- year-old student, and just says, all we want to do is love each other and be together. We would never think of sanctioning that. Suppose you have a situation where a husband came in and said I love three wives. Just let me love them. How is that harming society? I think, Mr. Speaker, you could use every argument you hear on this floor today against this legislation to justify both of those two situations. But, Mr. Speaker, I think one of the things that bothers me most is when we hear the argument that we shouldn't try because this legislation just won't pass. Well, Mr. Speaker, we try because we believe that values are still important in America. We try because we believe marriage between a man and a woman is a cornerstone of those values. We try because we believe the only way to protect the rights of States to define marriage for themselves is to pass this amendment. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to stand with those who support this legislation and those who understand that this historic relationship between a man and a woman is worth defending, even if we do not succeed.

Mr. FORBES

Mr. FORBES. Mr. Speaker, due to my attendance at a funeral for a family member of my staff I was unavoidably detained from voting on H.R. 4411, the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye'' on final passage and ``nay'' on the passage of the Berkley/Conyers/Wexler amendment. I support passage of H.R. 4411 in the Judiciary Committee and I continue to support efforts to rein in the proliferation of internet gambling.

Mr. FORBES

Mr. FORBES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce an article written by Rabbi Israel Zoberman, spiritual leader of Congregation Beth Chaverim in Virginia Beach, VA. The article by Rabbi Zoberman reads as follows: Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's successful first official visit recently to the United States was an expected formality between the leaders of two close and long-standing allies. It was also an essential opportunity for the Israeli Prime Minister to extend the intimate bond between his predecessor Ariel Sharon and President Bush, which Sharon learned to carefully cultivate, to his own budding relationship with a mighty and necessary friend. Olmert, a skilled politician who has been moving away from a somewhat abrasive demeanor, did find the right words of gratitude, deference and shared sentiment. In his granted appearance as a special guest before a joint session of Congress, he received no less than 17 standing ovations reflecting America's genuine sympathy for the Jewish state which transcends those who happen to be in power on either side at a given time. In fact, the vital alliance born of common values and interest between the senior and junior partners, has assumed a heightened relevancy following 9/11 with the complex war on terrorism and the costly thrust to bring democracy's freedoms to the Middle East and beyond. Who more than the ever beleaguered State of Israel has experienced what terrorizing onslaught on innocent civilians and a cherished way of life is all about? The President gave his approving nod to the Prime Minister's unilateral plan of the ``realignment'' (the latest term) of Israel's future borders in the absence of a peace partner. The Palestinian Hamas-led government even rejects Israel's right to exist and is locked in a deadly struggle of a civil war nature with Fatah over running the Palestinian Authority. When will the Palestinians stop the tragic cycle of never missing an opportunity to miss an opportunity? Olmert voiced support for the seemingly moribund Road Map which Bush welcomed, as the President reiterated his embrace of Israel's determination to hold onto its large settlement blocks on the West Bank while relinquishing control over sparsely populated territory to allow for the creation of a Palestinian state. The Prime Minister, a former Mayor of challenge-laden Jerusalem, is yet to be tested in Israel's hot political crucible in his country's top position. It is doubtless that he was given an extraordinary historic opportunity to affect Israel's destiny and fully implement the vision of Sharon who was so suddenly incapacitated at the height of his popularity and on the threshold of fateful decisions having accomplished the controversial Gaza disengagement. But likely the highlight of Olmert's visit to the capital of the world's only remaining superpower was the stern warning he poignantly delivered concerning the impending threat from Iran, and his revelation that the terror sponsoring radical Muslim regime ghoulishly calling for Israel's elimination while denying the Holocaust is almost within reach, closer than anticipated of developing a nuclear capability. One wonders if the Prime Minister personally presented the priceless gift of supporting intelligence reports, thus nailing the unavoidable response that the United States and the West are saddled with at this very hour. The risks of hesitant inaction though far outweighs those of resolute action, sending a powerful message that tyrannical blackmail is unacceptable and that the resolve of free nations to prevail is unshakeable. An ambiguous response invites further aggression with rising costs. Iran's mullahs' genocidal design on Israel, with Europe as a potential target as well while seeking hegemony in a critical region, ought to alarm us enough. What should however be clear is that Israel's only option is to survive, it simply can not afford to absorb a first nuclear strike. Have we not internalized by now History's painful lessons, are we doomed to forever repeat the past? I pray not. Rabbi Israel Zoberman, spiritual leader of Congregation Beth Chaverim in Virginia Beach, was born to Polish Holocaust survivors in Chu, Kazakhstan, in 1945 and raised in Haifa, Israel.

Mr. FORBES

Mr. FORBES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Colonel Yvonne J. Prettyman-Beck, Commander and Norfolk District Engineer, for her loyal service to the United States Corps of Engineers and to the people of Virginia's Fourth District. Over the past 3 years, I have had the fortunate opportunity to work with Colonel Prettyman-Beck on numerous occasions. I commend her leadership in advancing the growth and preservation of numerous projects of great value in our district and the Commonwealth of Virginia. Her hard work and integrity will be greatly missed upon her reassignment from the Norfolk District post she has held since August 2003. With over 24 years of service in the U.S. Army, Colonel Prettyman- Beck's devotion to duty has reflected the highest standards of the military profession. Following graduation from the New Mexico Military Institute, she went on to obtain a Master of Science degree in Management Science and a Master of Science degree in National Security and Strategic Studies. She has served on numerous assignments throughout the U.S. and overseas. Her military education is extensive and includes the Engineer Basic and Advanced Courses, the Combined Arms and Services Staff School, the Command and General Staff College and the National War College. Colonel Prettyman-Beck's decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Joint Service Achievement Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the National Defense Service Medal with star, the Military Outstanding Service Volunteer Medal, the Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Parachutist Badge, and the Army and Joint Staff Identification Badges. Colonel Prettyman-Beck has shown tremendous commitment and devotion to her country. Today we recognize her for her unwavering patriotism and dedication to her profession and the American people. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring Colonel Yvonne J. Prettyman- Beck.

Mr. FORBES

Mr. FORBES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the men and women of the Joint Public Affairs Support Element (JPASE). JPASE stood up in early 2005 at the Joint Warfighting Center in Suffolk, Virginia. JPASE is instrumental in providing public affairs training, counsel, doctrine and personnel in military exercises to better prepare joint force commanders and their staffs with media operations and outcomes when real world operations begin. Members of JPASE are trained to be able to be rapidly deployed in support of regional combatant commander's needs. Under the direction of JPASE's active duty leader, Army Colonel Stephen Campbell and its reserve director Navy Captain Ken Braithwaite, JPASE is already actively fulfilling its mission at home and abroad. Members of the JPASE team were among the thousands of responders to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. And last October, when Pakistan was shook by an earthquake that resulted in enormous damage and loss of human life, active duty and reserve members of JPASE again were on the scene. Members of JPASE worked tirelessly to ensure the support of U.S. military was known here in America and throughout Pakistan. According to polls taken throughout Pakistan, their work highlighting the support of American forces clearly won the hearts and minds of the Pakistani people. Mr. Speaker, I want to extend my thanks and appreciation to the JPASE members who were part of that mission: Captain Robert D. Newell, Commander Nicolas Balice, Major Jeffrey K. Sammons, Major Donald L. Langley, Major William M. Manley, Lieutenant Kevin Stephens, and Master Sergeant Greg A. Deimel. Additionally, I would like to thank a group of reserve JPASE members who relieved their active duty counterparts earlier this year and just recently returned home: Captain Ken Braithwaite, Commander Gary Kirchner, Lieutenant Cory Schultz and Senior Chief Heidi Wasson. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to have the Joint Warfighting Center in my district but more important, I am very proud of the men and women who serve there, the work they do, and the exemplary manner in which they represent our nation throughout the world.

Mr. FORBES

Mr. FORBES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend Dr. Billy Cannaday on his selection to be State Superintendent of Public Instruction for the Commonwealth of Virginia and for his dedicated service to the people of Virginia's Fourth District. I have had the fortunate opportunity to work with Dr. Cannaday on numerous occasions and have seen first-hand the tremendous work he has accomplished as Superintendent of Chesterfield County Public Schools. Since 2000, Dr. Cannaday has transformed Chesterfield schools from having less than half of its 59 schools being fully accredited by the State to 100 percent receiving full accreditation. With his leadership and commitment to respect, responsibility, honesty and accountability, over 80 percent of Chesterfield schools' graduates continue their education. Prior to his service to Chesterfield schools, Dr. Cannaday served as Director of Secondary Education, Assistant Superintendent of Instruction, and Superintendent of Schools for Hampton City Schools. He also served as principal of Huntington Middle School that was awarded a National Blue Ribbon Award for Excellence under his guidance. In 1972, Dr. Cannaday earned a B.A. in Health and Physical Education and a Doctorate in Educational Administration in 1990 from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. He also holds a Masters in Educational Administration from Hampton University in 1980. Dr. Cannaday's accomplishments include being named the 2005 Virginia Superintendent of the Year, 2005 Region 1 Superintendent of the Year, 2000 Region 2 Superintendent of the Year and the 2000 William & Mary Professional Educator of the Year. He was also a recipient of the 2004 Leadership in Arts Instruction award by the Virginia Board of Education. Dr. Billy Cannaday has shown remarkable commitment and devotion to the education of the students he serves. Today we recognize him for his heralded leadership, integrity and desire for excellence. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring Dr. Billy Cannaday.

Mr. FORBES

Mr. FORBES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce an article written by Rabbi Israel Zoberman, spiritual leader of Congregation Beth Chaverim in Virginia Beach, Virginia. The article by Rabbi Zoberman reads as follows: I was in Israel on a mission of the ARZA (Association of the Reform Zionists of America) Rabbinical Council during the recent Palestinian elections to its legislative Council. The unexpected, stunning victory of Hamas winning 74 out of a total of 132 seats though only 44 percent of the cast votes, remains a source for analysis and a cause of concern. The embarrassing defeat of ruling Fatah whose leader Mahmud Abbas continues to serve as a Palestinian Authority President, was primarily due to the long frustration and mounting anger caused by years of Fatah's inept management and outright corruption. Hamas cleverly ran on a Change and Reform list having already succeeded in establishing an infra-structure of supportive economic and social services to a deprived population. However, the victory took Hamas too by surprise saddling it with critical choices and decisions. Is it ready through to transform its very identity from a terrorist organization to one recognizing the State of Israel and negotiating peace with, is yet to be seen. Essential financial support from Israel, the United States and the European Union depend on it. Hamas may likely choose a middle course of not repudiating its very nature while abstaining from military action to allow it to consolidate power, becoming in time even a greater threat to the Jewish state. A nightmarish scenario would be a hostile Hams state bordering on Israel with an extreme Muslim agenda and heavily influenced by Iran who is also behind the Hizballah in Southern Lebanon. That would pause unacceptable risks to the entire Middle East and beyond. Our group was most warmly greeted by the new American Ambassador to Israel, Dr. Richard Jones, who reiterated President Bush's policy of fighting terrorism and nonsupport for a Palestinian Authority deviating from the Road Map. We also had the opportunity to meet at the historic King David Hotel with Laura King, Jerusalem Bureau Chief for the Los Angeles Times, who covered the Palestinian elections and conveyed her sense of not being surprised by the outcome. Our memorable day visit to Jordan's fascinating Petra via the Yitzhak Rabin border crossing at Israel's most southern city of Eilat, was a reminder to appreciate anew the Israel- Jordan peace treaty of 1994. In addition to the natural wonders and rich history of the 1800 year old Nabatean city of Petra carved in Biblical red rock, the past interconnectedness of the entire region through fruitful commerce and cultural exchange should inspire once again its revitalization for benefit of all. With hospitalized Ariel Sharon's unchanged medical condition, Acting Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's resolve has weathered the evacuation of the illegal outpost of West Bank's Amona in spite of the accompanied violence. Surely it is the first of the post-Gaza disengagement challenges that will test the emerging new leadership and the vibrant Israeli democracy, even as was revealed for the first time by the Israeli Institute for Economic and Social Research the high financial cost of 14 billion dollars investment in the territories since 1967. The centrist Kadima (``Forward'') party created by Sharon and now headed by Olmert continues with only a small drop in its strong showing in the polls toward the March 28 elections. However, the unpredictable nature of erupting Middle East events forestalls the assurity of the elections' outcome at this time. The elections will nonetheless reflect the Israeli voters verdict on Sharon's legacy of sacrificing the vision of a greater Israel for the more realistic one of a smaller Israel yet a Jewish and democratic one; an Israeli society in a far better position to tackle its demanding and urgent agenda of socio-economic dilemmas and gaps that will ultimately determine Israel's character and moral fiber so crucial for its survival.

Mr. FORBES

Mr. FORBES. Mr. Speaker, most of us believe we are sent to Washington, DC, to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the people we represent. I rise today with deep concern that the inaction of two Federal agencies is threatening the welfare of my constituents and the environmental treasures of my district. As I speak, the Army Corps of Engineers and the Environmental Protection Agency are sitting on their hands witnessing the possible construction of one of the largest landfills in America near the Virginia-North Carolina border. While it saddens me that the elected officials of one of North Carolina's most beautiful counties would pollute their community with the garbage of over 20 States, I do not represent that county. However, when the safety and drinking water of my constituents and the ecological health of my district is put at risk, I cannot remain silent. Camden County, North Carolina, has approved a mega-landfill to be located less than 1,000 yards south of the City of Chesapeake, Virginia, and adjacent to two environmental treasures: the Dismal Swamp Canal and the Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge. This mega-landfill will cover almost 500 acres, reach a height of 280 feet, extend 2.5 miles in length, and upon full construction will be visible 20 miles away. The giant landfill would cram the garbage of over 100 million people in over 20 States into a county with less than 9,000 people. Garbage from New York City would be barged in mass into a tidewater port and transported via a fleet of 1,000 garbage truck trips per day on congested roads and bridges, including the Federally-funded Route 17, which connects Virginia and North Carolina. One would trust that, given something of this magnitude, that careful consideration, study, and deliberation would have been conducted prior to approval. One would trust that, since this mega-landfill will be situated in the midst of one of the most ecologically valuable wetland areas on the East Coast, that public hearings were held, detailed surveys conducted, and scientists and ecologists consulted. One would trust that, given the fact that this landfill would be situated in a flood zone and within storm surge area for major hurricanes, that emergency plans had been formulated and Federal agencies sought for advice. One would certainly trust the very people who live, work, and rear their children in this area would have had an opportunity for public input. But, Mr. Speaker, that is not the case. No water quality studies were conducted by the Corps, no ecological studies performed by the EPA, no Federal advice, no warnings. But here is the real issue: Had this dump site been proposed less than 1,000 yards north in Virginia, it would have been subject to all the appropriate scrutiny. There would have been public input, Federal agency comment, analysis of alternative sites, and environmental studies, all because the site would have been located within a different district of the Army Corps. How is it that on one side of the border small farmers and businesses are subject to intense scrutiny from the Army Corps, whereas on the other side of the border a 500-acre landfill does not even raise a Federal eyebrow? And if dumping 83 million tons of garbage in a flood zone does not require the EPA to do an environmental study, what does? It is inconceivable to me that the Federal Government is allowing bureaucratic entanglements and inertia to obstruct its most primary duty, to protect the citizens and resources of the United States. I urge General Strock and the Army Corps of Engineers to resolve the internal discrepancies that allow a landfill that impacts two areas so similarly to be treated so differently. And I call upon the Environmental Protection Agency to step up to the task they have been charged with, to protect the environment and preserve it for our children and grandchildren.